Summary

Like its predecessors, the seventh edition of this text reflects Rick Schaefer's mission to bring readers a comprehensive, up-to-date presentation that teaches them how to think critically about society and their own lives from a wide range of classical and contemporary perspectives. Combining balanced coverage of theory with current research findings, distinctive social policy sections, examples of interest to students, and abundant learning aids and exercises, this text will help students develop a sociological imagination. An optional package combines Schaefer, Sociology, Seventh Edition and Reel Society Interactive Movie 2.0 CD-ROM at nominal extra cost."The introductory sociology class provides the ideal laboratory in which to study our own society and those of our global neighbors. The distinctive emphasis on social policy found in this text shows students how to use the sociological imagination in examining such public policy issues as sexual harassment, the AIDS crisis, welfare reform, the death penalty, and the offshoring of service jobs." Richard T. Schaefer

Table of Contents

Understanding Sociology

Sociological Research

Culture

Socialization

Social Interaction, Groups, and Social Structure

The Mass Media

Deviance and Social Control

Stratification and Social Mobility in the United States

Global Inequality

Racial and Ethnic Inequality

Stratification by Gender and Age

The Family and Intimate Relationships

Religion and Education

Government and the Economy

Population, Communities, and Health

Globalization, the Environment, and Social Change Detailed Table of Contents

Understanding Sociology What Is Sociology?

The Sociological Imagination Photo Essay: Are You What You Own?

Sociology and the Social Sciences Sociology and Common Sense What Is Sociological Theory?

The Development of Sociology Early Thinkers Eacute;mile Durkheim Max Weber Karl Marx

The Sociological Approach Research in Action: Looking at Sports from Three Theoretical Perspectives Applied and Clinical Sociology Developing a Sociological Imagination Theory in Practice

Research in Action Thinking Globally The Significance of Social Inequality Sociology in the Global Community: The Global Response to the 2004 Tsunami Speaking across Race, Gender, and Religious Boundaries Social Policy throughout the World Appendix: Careers in Sociology

Sociological Research What Is the Scientific Method?

Defining the Problem Reviewing the Literature Formulating the Hypothesis Collecting and Analyzing Data Developing the Conclusion In Summary

The Scientific Method Major Research Designs Surveys Research in Action

Polling in Baghdad Observation Experiments Social Inequality: Researching Privilege and Discrimination in Employment Use of Existing Sources Research in Action: What's in a Name?

Ethics of Research Confidentiality Research Funding Value Neutrality Technology and Sociological Research Taking Sociology to Work

Research Coordinator, United Way of Central Iowa Social Policy and Sociological Research: Studying Human Sexuality

Using Statistics, Tables, and Graphs

Writing a Research Report

Culture Culture and Society Photo Essay: Are You What You Eat?

Development of Culture around the World Cultural Universals Innovation Globalization, Diffusion, and Technology Sociology in the Global Community

Life in the Global Village Biological Bases of Culture Sociology in the Global Community: Cultural Survival in Brazil Elements of Culture Language Norms Sanctions Values Sociology on Campus